Jefferson County youths visit Charleston

April 26, 2013

CHARLES TOWN - Sixth-grader Breana Puetz spent her birthday at the capital building in Charleston. She got to shake hands with Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and other state officials, but she was not alone.

Accompanied by the other Jefferson County students who are also part of the Leaders in Action afterschool program, Puetz spent three days learning about the state government.

"We focus on trying to get (the students) involved in the community and trying to make them leaders," said Cassie Degener, who is a Volunteer In Service To America. "We want to increase their retention in various subject ares."

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Students and councilors from Jefferson County’s Leads In Action program visit with Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.

VISTAs are part of AmeriaCorp, which runs the programs at Charles Town and Harpers Ferry middle schools.

The Harpers Ferry Outdoor Education Center sponsors the program, which meets once a week and takes students through sections of learning that include environmental stewardship, community service, health, government and global awareness.

Degener said the program is designed to focus on at-risk youth and decrease the percentage of students who drop out of high school, although all students are welcome to join.

"It's an early-intervention program, so we step in at the middle school level," Degener said.

As part of the government unit, the students also toured the Jefferson County Courthouse and meet some of their local representatives. During the time they spent in Charleston the group toured the capital building, the house chambers and witnessed bills being passed.

"We got to sit in on an argument and conversation," said Cara Anderson, also in sixth grade. "It was about a bike path and bike riders using the road even though there's a bike path."

"They are spending all this money on a bike path and the bikers aren't using it," Puetz said. "But it's there for a reason."

After the debate, some of the legislators took time to discuss the bicycle regulations with the students.

Although Puetz said she enjoyed the time she spent in Charleston, what she has learned the most from her time with Leaders in Action is how to not be bossy and be the right kind of outgoing.

"I used to be one of those leaders who was bossy, but (the program) has taught me to be more calm and take time to finish things and help those who need help," Puetz said.

After finishing their government unit earlier in April, the group is currently working on a health series, where students are learning about gardening, growing their own plants and physical fitness.

Leaders in Action also provides a way for students to attend summer camp at For Love of Children's Outdoor Education Center in Harpers Ferry.

VISTA Sarah Nowicki said if students follow the value system the afterschool program has in place and are active participants, they are able to be part of the summer camp program.

"The same goals here are incorporated into the summer camp," Nowicki said.

Both Puetz and Anderson said they encouraged their friends to be part of Leaders in Action and are looking forward to the summer program.